#655 Jerry Grote

Another vital part of the miracle Mets…The primary backstop for many years…A serviceable contact hitter at times, but never gained big power or RBI numbers….forte was defense and throwing out would be base stealers…Started in Colt .45 organization in 1963…like many other Colts took a fast track to debut to majors that same year…gained a part time spot in 1964 but failed to hit weight…When arrived with the Mets in 1966 Grote immediately secured the starting spot albeit his hitting continue to be subpar…started to come into own in 1968 hitting .282 and getting an all star nod…1969 was to hit career highs in home runs (6) and RBIs (40)… 1972 Grote was injured…other than that year he was primary Mets catcher for eight years…lost starting position to John Stearns and was traded to Dodgers for a minor leaguer…was buried in plethora backstops in LA but make some WS plate appearances…Finished career with Royals and one game back with the Dodgers 1981.